BCIAA Basketball Playoff Picture

The Berks County high school basketball playoffs begin on Saturday, February 8th with the girls quarterfinals. The boys quarterfinals are set for Monday, February 10th. I’m constantly asked how the eight teams are selected for the BCIAA basketball tournament so I thought I’d try to explain the process. Don’t worry, there will not be a quiz at the end of this story.

The four division champions are automatically in the field. Berks Catholic, Exeter, Schuylkill Valley, and Antietam are currently in first place in their respective divisions. The Eagles have clinched the Division 2 crown.

Two second place teams will earn a spot in the Berks County playoffs. This depends upon who wins the crossover game. For example, Wilson is currently in second place in Division 1 and Conrad Weiser is in second place in Division 2. The Bulldogs beat the Scouts 60-49 so Wilson would get in the tournament. Wyomissing is currently in second place in Division 3 and Brandywine Heights is second in Division 4. The Spartans play the Bullets tomorrow. The winner of that crossover matchup would secure a berth.

The final two at-large selections are based on the highest District 3 power rankings. Muhlenberg (.723) and Gov. Mifflin (.709) would qualify based on that criteria.

The initial seeds for the BCIAA playoffs are determined strictly by the District 3 power rankings. Winning a division championship doesn’t guarantee a team one of the top four seeds. In addition, a coach’s meeting is held before the seeds are finalized. Coaches are allowed to challenge another team’s seed. Once the cases are made, those two coaches must leave the room and a vote is taken among the other six coaches.

The District 3 power rankings change daily as new scores are reported. Based on the current power rankings, these would be the initial seeds for the Berks County boys tournament. I hope this has been at least a little helpful, and you’re not even more confused.

1.Berks Catholic (.788)

2.Wilson (.785)

3.Muhlenberg (.723)

4.Gov. Mifflin (.709)

5.Exeter (.626)

6.Schuylkill Valley (.616)

7.*Wyomissing (.613)

8.Antietam (.572)

*This is contingent upon Wyomissing beating Brandywine Heights tomorrow. If the Bullets win, they would be the 8th seed and Antietam becomes the 7th seed. Brandywine Heights currently has a power ranking of .503